Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno has formally presented the staff of office to Dr Umar Ibn Kyari Umar Elkanemi, installing him as the Shehu of Bama.
The ceremony, held on Tuesday, was attended by prominent figures, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
At 40, Elkanemi is one of the youngest first-class traditional rulers in Northern Nigeria, taking the reins at a time when the Bama Emirate faces many challenges, including conflict recovering from Boko Haram insurgency.
Governor Zulum urged the new Shehu to work with the community and support government initiatives, noting his government efforts to resettle displaced persons and rebuild infrastructure in Bama emirate council.
Shehu Elkanemi expressed gratitude for the trust reposed on him and pledged to work towards peace and reconciliation, paying tribute to his late father.
The ceremony was attended by traditional rulers, government officials, and community members, with tight security.
